India is one win away from making history after a dominating performance against the T20 World Cup defending champions, securing a clash in the final with South Africa. Spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Axar Patel picked three wickets each to propel India into the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup final after defeating England by 68 runs in the second semifinal at the Providence Stadium.
Captain Rohit Sharma led from the front, slamming his 32nd T20I fifty with a 39-ball 57. Along with Suryakumar Yadav, who contributed 47 off 36 balls, India posted a competitive total of 171/7 on a challenging pitch. Their efforts were supported by brilliant spells from Axar and Kuldeep, which led to England’s collapse as they were bowled out for 103.
WATCH: Virat Kohli Consoles teary-eyed Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma was visibly emotional after the win, this showcases the significance of the victory for the team.
The viral video captures an emotional Indian captain sitting outside the dressing room after India’s 68-run victory. As Rohit Sharma reflects, Virat Kohli approaches and cheers him up with a pat on the shoulder.
India Reaches T20 World Cup 2024 Final
Chasing 172, England’s Jos Buttler hit four boundaries, including three off Arshdeep Singh, giving England a strong start with 26 runs in the first three overs. However, Axar Patel and Jasprit Bumrah soon turned the game in India’s favor. On Axar’s first ball, Buttler attempted a reverse-sweep but ended up giving a top edge to keeper Rishabh Pant.
Bumrah then brought out his off-cutter to rattle Phil Salt’s leg-stump. Axar followed by dismissing Jonny Bairstow for a duck with a ball that stayed low and hit the off-stump. The early wickets left England at 39/3 at the end of the power-play.
England’s situation deteriorated further as Moeen Ali, attempting to flick off Axar, was stumped quickly by Pant after the ball lobbed off his thigh pad. Kuldeep Yadav compounded England’s woes by trapping Sam Curran plumb lbw and rattling Harry Brook’s leg-stump with a reverse sweep. He then spun one back in to trap Chris Jordan lbw.
A series of mix-ups resulted in runouts for Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid. When Bumrah trapped Jofra Archer lbw, it triggered exceptional scenes among the Indian players and fans. The extreme emotions came exorcising the ghosts of their Adelaide 2022 defeat in Guyana 2024.
This comprehensive victory has set the stage for a highly anticipated final against South Africa. The Indian team’s dominance throughout the tournament has kept the dream of winning the elusive T20 World Cup trophy alive. The players, led by Rohit Sharma, have demonstrated resilience and skill, showing they are prepared to face any challenge in their quest for glory.
Also read: Suryakumar Yadav: The Rising Star of Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024
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